Happiness What factors contribute to one’s happiness? http://booksforpsychologyclass.weebly.com/

“Happiness lies not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.” FDR

Factors that contribute to Happiness Supportive Relationships Religious Affiliation Positive Cognition and Temperament (impacts mood) Giving back to the community Money (until one achieves middle class) Believing love is more important than money Trusting others Feeling that one’s work makes a difference Sense of Control over what happens in one’s life Research from Ed Diener (University of Illinois), Daniel Kahneman and University of Chicago’s General Social Survey

What are the Benefits of Happiness? Higher Well-Being Better Social and Work Relationships Higher Income Longer Life Better Healthier More likely to be contributing Citizens

Views of Happiness? According to the Dali Lama (Head of Tibetan Buddhism) we are responsible for our own happiness. Through training our heart and mind we can find more happiness in life. Compassion for other plays a large role in one’s happiness. Buddhists believe that the the main purpose of life is happiness which as long as one’s basic needs are met is more reliant state of mind than external conditions.

Views of Happiness? King of Bhutan suggests measuring gross national happiness instead of gross national product (GNP) Even though people of Bhutan are poor, they are very happy Incorporate meditation into daily life By contrast Qatar is very wealthy but not very happy.

Who is Happy (2015) 6 variables used to measure happiness in the World Happiness Report 1. GDP per capita 2. Social Support 3. Healthy life expectancy 4. Freedom to make life choices 5. Generosity 6. Freedom from corruption

Who is Happy? People from Switzerland happiest in the World Dependable infrastructure (roads, public transportation) Access to Nature, mountains, lakes, animals Reasonable working hours (35.2 hours per week) Democratic government Good educational system Longevity (average life span 82.8 years) Good health care system

Who is Happy?

Who Is Happy? The NY TIMES reported on Gallup research about what makes Americans happiest. Happiest Ethnic Group – Asians happiest Happiest Country: Denmark Age – increases happiness (65+) Happiest Religious Group – observant Jews Height – taller than average (men 5’8; women 5’5) Income (greater than 120,000)

Who is the Happiest Person… The NY Times decided based on data about happiness and various demographics that the happiest person would be… A tall, Asian-American Jewish male who is a 65+ resident of Hawaii who is married with children, owns a business, and earns more than $120,000 a year The NY Times found this guy…. Meet Alvin Wong!

World’s Happiest Person Alvin Wong 5 foot 10 inches Chinese American Kosher Observing Jew Married Self-Employed (health care company) Makes over $120,000 per year Lives in Hawaii http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/06/weekinreview/06happy.html?_r=2 http://booksforpsychologyclass.weebly.com/

March 20th World Happiness Day!